Ruediger Brockmann studied Laser Application Technology at University of Applied Sciences, Muenster, Germany and Engineering at the Technical University of Chemnitz, where he gained a PhD (laserwelding of thin foils with solid state lasers).From 2002 to 2006 Brockmann worked on process development at Volkswagen in the technology development of laser applications in BiW and qualification of new production equipment.From 2006 to 2009 he was responsible for the product management of all Solid-State-Lasers with an output power of ≥ 1 kW at TRUMPF Laser in Schramberg, Germany, and since 2009 he has been the Senior Manager of the Industry Management Automotive department at TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik in Ditzingen, Germany.

"The answer to this question is really very easy," says Rüdiger Brockmann, automotive branch manager at TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik, Ditzingen/Germany.
After all, new technologies have become available, including diode-pumped disk lasers and diode lasers that are many times more efficient than lamp-pumped lasers.
"While lamp-pumped solid-state lasers demonstrate efficiency factors of only about 3 percent, the TRUMPF TruDisk disk lasers achieve more than 25 percent and the TRUMPF TruDiode diode lasers more than 35 percent," mentioned Brockmann.
The possible savings in electricity usage alone are immense and could amount to several tens of thousands of Euros per laser per year for a three-shift operation.

"This cost benefits are also preserved if you include the investment costs for the laser and accessories," he adds.
Whether the disk laser or the diode laser is the better technology depends on the needs of the customer.
"Disk lasers are somewhat higher in terms of energy costs due to the lower efficiency factor compared to the diode lasers," Brockmann said.
However, the disk laser is the more flexible tool because it can be used not only for deep welding and soldering, but also for remote welding and cutting.
TRUMPF works closely with its customers to determine which technology will benefit the customer more when replacing their lamp-pumped laser.
"Because we are the laser company with the most comprehensive platform when it comes to laser beam sources, we can offer customers the best laser solution for their application," Brockmann emphasized.

"While lamp pumped solid state lasers demonstrate about 3% efficiency, Trumpf TruDisk lasers achieve more than 25% and the Trumpf TruDiode, more than 35%," explained Rüdiger Brockmann, Automotive Manager at Trumpf Laser Systems.
"The possible savings in electricity usage alone are immense and could amount to several tens of thousands of Euros per laser per year for a three-shift operation."

"The cost benefits are also preserved if you include the investment costs for the laser and accessories," he adds.